The most common type of square-knot work is generally used in belts and lanyards. There is a long tradition of making lanyards for Boatswain's Calls (Bosun's Pipes) and for knives and other tools used aloft. The lanyard can be incredibly fancy or plain and utilitarian depending on taste, but they are all used to be sure that you don't lose a tool over the side or drop it from a height and injure a shipmate.

Belts, however, are the epitome of the square-knotter's art. I make regular 12-line belts ("A") of #18, (1-1/8") #21 (1-1/4") or #24 (1-1/2") cotton seine which are quite nice and entirely serviceable at a rate of $4.50 per inch. 16-line belts of #18 cord ("B") (1-3/8") run $5.00 per inch The larger 20 line #18 belts ("C") (1-5/8" - 2") are $5.50 the inch, while 24-32 line belts are on special quotation only. 20-line and up also require either very large belt-loops in one's Bermudas or use as an "overbelt" for ladies blouses or tunics. All belts are priced on the actual measurement supplied and include an additional 8" of plain "tongue" to allow for buckling and for growth about the middle. For a longer than 8" tongue, specify the length desired and add $3.50/inch to any width belt.

Note: As a rule, I do not use nylon for belting work as it does not want to hold the knots...no friction!)

Buckles are problematic. I normally supply them with a simple silver or gold coloured brass buckle sufficiently wide in the throat to accommodate the width of the belt, but I can make belts up to your favourite buckle as well. If you have a belt that no longer fits and you'd like to re-use the buckle you need only send it to me and I can cast the belt directly onto it.

PLEASE read the instructions for measuring yourself for a belt HERE! This is dead serious stuff...a mistake in measurement will lead to your ownership of something you cannot use...no good for you or for me! Following the directions will ensure that you get a belt that fits the first time!

No matter the size or how fancy or plain these may be, the belts are intended as WORKING belts, not mere ornaments. They are as strong as a comparably-sized leather belt and have held up a long history of bell-bottom trousers. Yes, they ARE "ART", but they're meant to be WORKING art.

Standard (or plain) knotted belts are infinitely adjustable, which is great for those whose waistlines (like mine) have a tendency to vary from minute to minute! While I usually put a demarcation to separate the belt body from the tongue, this can be ignored with a single-tang buckle and just about any point in the belt can be used for buckling, due to the way they're constructed. Belts with a more ornate design will have the decorations end about 1" from the point where the edge of the buckle falls on the belt. Then the eight inch tongue comes into play and allows for a variety of points of buckling.

I do carry some pre-made belts in all categories to fit sizes from 22 inches through 44 inches but I much prefer to make them up on a per-order basis.

Sailing wheels are also a speciality. Please click on the picture of the wheel to be taken to that page.

To order a belt or for quotes on especially ornate belts or other flemishwork, for questions or to share your winning lottery ticket with me, you may call me direct at home:(215) 843 7207 or email me.